A POLICE officer was knocked off his bike as he cycled home from work.

The 53-year-old detective sergeant, who had been working at Burnley police station, was cycling down Brougham Street just after 5pm on Monday when a silver hatchback collided with him.

The man was thrown onto the bonnet and then to the floor.

The vehicle then reversed and drove off down Brougham Street towards Princess Way.

Police believe that the vehicle had been stolen from Fence.

The driver of the car, which had false number plates, left the scene and a passer-by called an ambulance. The cyclist was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital suffering from neck pain and pain in his elbow.

Sergeant Claire Pearson said: “The driver of the car failed to stop at the scene and we need to trace that person.

“If you witnessed this collision and the car driving off then I would ask you to contact police.

“In particular, I would urge the man who witnessed it but left before officers had chance to speak with him, to come forward. We also believe the car in question would have a damaged bonnet.

“If you know of a silver/light coloured vehicle which has sustained a damaged bonnet recently then please get in touch with police.”

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.